Now import of agarbatti and other similar odoriferous preparations is no more free; requires licence

New Delhi, Sept 3 (KNN) The import of agarbatti or incense sticks is no more free in the country as the government has put restrictions on its import.

Agarbattis are mostly made in micro or small enterprises.

The move comes amidst report of significant increase in inbound shipments from countries like China and Vietnam.

"Import policy of agarbatti and other odoriferous preparations which operate by burning ...is revised from free to restricted," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGF) said in a notification.

Now importers of these goods require licence from the government for import purpose.

Restrictions have also been imposed on imports of other odoriferous preparations used for deodorising room. Its imports increased to USD 12.35 million in 2018-19 from USD 7.51 million in 2017-18.